Moxie enthusiasts unite in Maine to celebrate iconic drink

Moxie first brewed in 1876

Forty thousand Moxie enthusiasts are expected to descend on Lisbon Falls to celebrate Maine’s signature soda. The 32nd annual Moxie Festival takes over the town of 9,300 this weekend.

Moxie was first brewed in 1876 in Massachusetts and branded as a medicine to cure nerves. Operations have since moved to New Hampshire, but the soft drink has dedicated fans in Maine.

The festival includes a carnival, 5K run, 30-mile and 50-mile bike rides and recipe contest.

Friday afternoon, dozens of Moxie fans sat in front of the judges as their creations were tasted.

“This year I made Moxie barbecue sauce, Moxie ribs and a Moxie cake,” said Janice Sargeant, whose chocolate Moxie cake came in second last year.

“My kitchen is a mess for weeks trying to come up with the right recipe,” she said.

“My mom spends a lot of time in the kitchen when she's cooking with Moxie, and with a bunch of kids, she does pretty good,” said Janice’s daughter, Courtney.

From Moxie-covered cherries to a Moxie-braised salmon, the state’s official soft drink is loved here.

“Believe me, if you had to live here all winter, you would know why Moxie really gets us going in the summer,” said event volunteer Deb Wagner. “It is a wonderful way for people to get to know small town Maine and what it's like to be a Mainer and to drink Moxie.”

“Everybody’s here because they love Moxie and they want to celebrate,” Sargeant said.